LASIK or Lasik means laser-assisted in situ keratomileuses, eye surgery, or laser vision correction. LASIK is a type of refractive eye surgery for correcting myopia and hyperopia and an actual cure for astigmatism since it is in the cornea. An ophthalmologist performs LASIK eye surgery using a laser or a microkeratome to reshape the eye’s cornea to improve visual acuity. LASIK provides a long-lasting alternative for power skeptical or even contact lenses. LASIK is similar to other surgical corrective procedures like photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and LASEK. All the advancements represent radial keratotomy in the surgical treatment of refractive errors of vision. For patients with moderate to high myopia or thin corneas, these cannot be treated with LASIK and PRK, and the patients have to do phakic intraocular lens surgery, which is an alternative and a good treatment for the eyes. In 2018, 9.5 million Americans had LASIK treatment, and globally, from 1991 to 2016, more than 40 million procedures of these treatments were performed. But since 2015, the use of LASIK has been seen less compared to the earlier years.
Recovery weeks
To achieve clear eyesight, glasses specs and contact lenses are an excellent way for patients with vision impairment or someone who has problems with eyesight so they can achieve clear eye or vision. But the lenses which are prescribed only offer temporary relief. And also, the patient is left with blurry and unfocused vision as soon as they remove their lenses, specs, or glasses. Most patients get tired of wearing their temporary fix for their vision problem and look for permanent solutions like surgery or treatment to receive their cornea to eliminate the imperfection, which has left them with nearsightedness and farsightedness, and astigmatism. Most patients enjoy 2020 vision or better vision we can see without the prescription of lenses for LASIK surgery. The patient needs to have a proper understanding of the LASIK process, including recovery, before committing to the treatment and the effects of the LASIK surgery are overwhelmingly positive.
What are the processes required for LASIK treatment?
In the year 2006, the British National Health Service’s organization which is NICE which is National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence, considered the evidence of the effectiveness and the potential risks of laser surgery, stating current evidence suggests that photorefractive (laser) surgery for the correction of refractive errors is safe and effective it can only be used in appropriately selected patients. Clinicians who are undertaking photorefractive (laser) surgery for the correction of refractive errors should ensure the patients and make them understand the benefits and potential risks of the procedure, which can be the failure to achieve the expected improvement in unaided vision, development of new visual disturbances, corneal infection, and flap complications. These risks should be said before the treatment so that later doctors don’t face any problems with those wearing spectacles or contact lenses. “The safety and effectiveness of refractive procedures have not been determined in patients with some diseases,” says the FDA reports.
Will my eyes hurt after the LASIK procedure?
No, the eye’s don’t hurt exactly after this procedure. But a burning effect remains for at least 2-4 hours. It’s a sort of discomfort or a mild pain which is totally normal to have after the surgery. But if someone is experiencing severe pain then one should immediately contact the doctor because that can be a complicated case too.
Side Effects
For patients, the LASIK recovery course smoothly. After the LASIK surgery, the risk of complications is very low or less. But there are some side effects that the patient has to deal with after the treatment. The side effects are minor and usually resolve quickly; they are only noticeable during the first week of LASIK surgery.
The most common side effects of LASIK include the following:
Discomfort: the eyes might feel irritated after the LASIK surgery, which is entirely normal. Different patients describe this feeling differently. For some, it’s a slight burning sensation, and for others, it feels like there is something small caught in their eye. The discomfort should be minor and usually disappears within a few days.
Dry eyes: Dry eyes is also a common side effect of LASIK. This effect makes the eyes feel gritty or may have lost all the moisture. The patient must avoid rubbing their eyes because dry eyes usually feel itchy. However, it’s a cause that complicates the LASIK flap.
Sensitivity to light: The eyes are more sensitive to light during the first week of LASIK surgery, which the patient can notice. Light suggests computer screen sunlight, TV screen, cell phones, etc., can be the bright source that feels more sensible to the eyes.
Glares and halos: The light seems to cause visual abnormalities while the patient is recovering from LASIK. Patience may also notice that halos, glares, or streaks around can be a bright source of light. Glares and halos are more noticeable during the night, making night driving more difficult.
What to Avoid after the surgery?
The patient , to get back to the routine; their visions are more likely good. It is important to remember that corneas must be taken more care of as they heal.
Due to this reason, there are some things that patients should try to avoid:
Dust, smoke, yard and garden work, and eye makeup should be avoided for the first week after the LASIK surgery.
The patients should be careful while bathing. They should keep soap and water from their eyes.
Using hot tubs, swimming, or submerging the head in water should be avoided for the first two weeks after the LASIK eye surgery.
Take frequent breaks and stay the legend about putting the lubricant drops in the eyes while using the computer.
The level of burning and tearing and many people experience light sensitivity after surgery. These types of effects last 2-4 hours after the surgery.
The eyes may burn or feel like something is in them after the procedure. The patient may also experience some mild pain or some of this comfort, and if there is mild pain, then the doctor will suggest the patient take a mild pain reliever.
